COVID Variant is Back in Arizona, With Telltale New Symptom

Is it too soon to say this nasty illness is back like the plague? To mangle an already bungled quote by the late, great Yogi Berra, this seasonal scourge is déjà vu all over again, and this time, it's changing up symptoms and making us miserable once again.

Is COVID-19 Surging in Arizona?

The season is starting again; Arizona is seeing a fresh uptick in COVID-19 cases this fall, and it’s not actually just déjà vu. There's a new wave making its way across the state, and it's bringing some new twists.

According to the CDC (the Centers for Disease Control), the reproductive number (Rt) for COVID-19 in Arizona is above 1. Since, like me, you're probably not a virologist, that means infections are actively growing. Emergency departments across Arizona have reported a noticeable rise in COVID-related visits.

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What are the New COVID-19 Symptoms to Watch For?

As COVID returns, some of the symptoms are a bit different this time around. Fever, cough, and fatigue are still common signs; however, some of the newer symptoms include gastrointestinal distress and prolonged dizziness. Both of these symptoms are being reported more often, especially with younger adults.

READ: When will the Next Covid Vaccine come to Arizona?

Are COVID-19 Hospitalizations Up in Arizona?

Hospitalization rates are climbing in Arizona, as well. New data shows ICU bed occupancy in Arizona has risen to about 69%, with overall hospital beds at 81% capacity.

Thankfully, death rates haven’t spiked dramatically, but public health officials warn that vulnerable populations, primarily the elderly and immunocompromised patients, are still at high risk of serious illness.

READ: New CDC Guidelines for Covid Isolation Could Affect Arizona

Can You Still Get a COVID-19 Vaccine in Arizona?

Getting the updated vaccine these days is easier said than done. A combination of supply chain issues and shipping delays is making it harder for some Arizona counties to meet the demand.

The Arizona Department of Health Services has said that major urban centers like Phoenix and Tucson have steady access. On the other hand, rural areas are having a harder time keeping up with vaccinations. They're facing longer wait times and fewer available appointments.

While things have changed a lot since the pandemic lockdowns, it's still a good idea to take necessary precautions to stay healthy during Arizona's annual "Covid Season."